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Recommended

Libby in the MiddleWritten by Gwyneth Rees
Bloomsbury £6.99ISBN: 978-1408852774

As the title suggests, Libby is the middle child. There is six-year-old Grace, the baby of the family, big sister Bella who is obsessed with her boyfriend, and then there is Libby – where does she fit in? Gwyneth Rees adds real depth to this family story by crafting relationships which are credible yet seemingly unique. Cleverly, she creates links between the past and the present so that Aunt Thecla, to take just one example, is revealed as a warm and credible person whom the younger generation can respect because her understanding is the result of her own suffering and life-learning.

As the family adjusts to new surroundings and life in a new town, they develop individually as well as collectively, making this a truly heart-warming read for any teenager and especially any middle child. Highly recommended for its humour, sensitivity, confidence boosting, reassurance and credibility. Don't miss it!Gill Roberts